Lemmon's needlegrass facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lemmon's needlegrass
Conservation status
Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Subfamily:	Pooideae
Genus:	Stipa
Species:	S. lemmonii
Binomial name
Stipa lemmonii (Vasey) Scribn.
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Synonyms
Achnatherum lemmoniiBarkworth

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Lemmon's needlegrass (scientific name: Stipa lemmonii) is a type of grass found in western North America. It grows from British Columbia in Canada all the way down to southern California in the United States. This grass is known for being tough and able to survive in dry places.

About Lemmon's Needlegrass

Lemmon's needlegrass is a special kind of plant. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which is the scientific name for grasses. This plant is also called a bunchgrass because it grows in a dense clump.

What Does It Look Like?

This grass is a perennial, meaning it grows back year after year. Its stems can reach up to 90 centimeters (about 3 feet) tall. The stems can be smooth, a little bit hairy, or even very woolly.

At the top of the stems, you'll find the plant's flowers. These flowers grow in a long, narrow cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster can be up to 21 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. Inside this cluster are small parts called spikelets, which can be over 1 centimeter long. Each spikelet has a long, bristle-like part called an awn, which can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.

Where Does It Grow?

Lemmon's needlegrass is very good at handling dry conditions. This means it is a drought-tolerant plant. You can often find it in sunny, dry areas like grasslands and savannas. These are open areas with lots of grass and scattered trees.

This grass can also grow in soil that doesn't have many nutrients. One special type, called subspecies pubescens, is found only in serpentine soils. These soils are unusual and have a unique mix of minerals.